Jack and Barbara’s Repair Story—A Labor of Love

Program Sponsor, First Federal Community Foundation

Jack was used to taking care of the repairs on his well-tended Brinnon home himself.  But in the last few years, he started to worry that a couple of issues were getting beyond what he could handle on his own.  His first concern was the deteriorating state of the pump house.  The small leak in the wall of the home itself, around an unsealed electrical junction box, was almost an afterthought.  Jack had another worry, however.  As his wife Barbara explains, “Jack was worried about getting the work done in time.  He knew he might not have that much time left.

He wanted to make sure the project was done for me.”  Aware of his cancer prognosis, Jack wanted to leave Barbara a home that was safe, healthy, and free of problems.

Jack and Barbara contacted Habitat after talking with a neighbor who was also a Habitat Repair Partner.  Habitat took on the project, which quickly grew in scope.  As it turned out, that small leak had caused a lot of hidden rot inside the front wall of the home—even the supporting beams were compromised.  A whole section of the wall needed to be rebuilt from the inside out.  Throughout all the uncertainties and delays, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Jack remained confident in the Habitat team and positive and excited about the project.

In the end, Jack passed away with Barbara at his side, knowing that the work was nearly complete.  The details were finished within the next month.  According to Barbara, it’s been a big relief, during such a difficult time, to know that at least she doesn’t have to worry about the condition of her house. “I’m so grateful and thankful for all the help from Habitat.  I’m honestly amazed a place like that exists that you can get that kind of help.”

Barbara will pay back part of the cost of project through no-interest loan from Habitat. The health and safety improvements to her home are made possible by support from Jefferson County, local donors, and the hardworking of the Quilcene Store volunteers. Local contractor James Lail provided support for the house repair and siding, Reed Residential Electrical donated services for work on the pump shed, and Habitat staff and volunteers arranged for building, painting, and landscaping work to complete.